The Wilmingtonian., 1887-09-17

Upon catching sight of the cut of the pro-
posed new post office and Federal building
as published in Ecery Epening, the writer,
who is familiar with the architectural feat
ures of the Chicago post office recognized
an almost indentity of architectural features
between the two.
Candidly however, it must be said in con-
troversion of the widespread criticism of
"squattiness," no such remark is applicable.
Were the building constructed according to
those design we think Wilmingtonians
would very likely change their minds upon
seeing the completed structure. The cut,
as is often the trouble with architectural de-
mands, does not afford a fair impression of
of the effect of that style of Gothic archi-
lecture. IL is amusing too, to listen to the
reiterated term used locally "French style"
as applied to the design, which technically
means anything or nothing in the connec-
tion.
The writer has seen a great many public
buildings in this and other lands, but was
never more vividly impressed as on the oc-
casion when he first caught sight of the
Chicago post Office by the marked success
of lis designer in giving the effect of mas
siveness of proportion without heaviness or
squattiness. These conditions successful
artist can attain under certain phases though
he may be restricted in extent of material or
ground. plan.
The above criticism of course applies only
to the style Of architecture proposed for our
post Office, and not at all to the amount Of
the appropriation, the size Of the building,
nor to the internal architecture of it, which
are undoubtedly altogether far away from
needs of city of Wilmington's aspirations
and actral requirements.
"The Man about Town." in last Sunday S
issue of the S.ar says:
81 have often heard thephrase used that a
person was ''mean enough to steal the PEN
nies off dead mans eyes," but always con-
sidered it mere figure of speech. A recent
event, however, has led me to believe that
there is more truth than poetry in this old
saying, and proved that there are persons in
this city, who, If they do not steal the pen
MES from the eyes of a corpse, do equally as
bad by robbing house while funeral is
taking place.
1t may be added that it is custom, or was
in Scotland and England, throughout the
provinces, some twenty years ago, before
the present bronze coinage came into use to
make use of the those large and heavy cop
per pennies, which were larger, thicker, and
heavier than our silver dollars, as weights to
weight down and keep closed the upper eye
lids Of corpse. 1t was an odd sight to wit
ness these immense copper 'cartwheels' ly-
ing on the eyes of the dead. In connection
with this curious old country custom the
proverb referred to arose. 1t was consider
cd that the meanest thief was he would steal
those coins from the face of dead man.
In the current number of the Century, in
his monograph upon"The Federal Balance, "
Edward Eggleston writes "To all time New
England will show traces of the town-com
munity, ndependent-ohurch, and common
land systems of her infancy: Virginia must,
on the other hand grow by counties, for
there, every county has its traditions of the
ancestors who administered justice on the
bench of magistrates in the county court,
and who now and then maintained the old
notions of gentlemanliness by notifying roy
al governors of their willingness to sit with
a man, no matter how high in court favor,
who was of doubtful integrity. Louisiana
again will cast her history into the mold Of
territory cheokered off into parishes, as that
of Delaware is into hundreds"
| In the prior part of his artiole Mr. EpoIe